Gene Siskel Film Center

Midwest Living Review

Kit Bernardi

Downtown Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center shows only classic and independent art house films in a sleek cinematheque theater setting.

Christened by film critic Roger Ebert as one of only five cinematheques in the world, downtown Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center shows only classic and independent art house films. The sleek complex is part of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and named after Ebert's longtime film review partner, honored in the airy stainless-steel stairway gallery. Black-and-white glamour portraits of silver screen stars wrap the cafe and cash-only snack bar. You can bring beer or wine ($6), popcorn ($3) and candies into the two luxe auditoriums with plush, lean-back seats and cathedral-high walls draped in plush black velvet. All films are curated, chosen for their historic and artistic value, and shown in conjunction with lectures and talks open to the public. Besides weekly flicks, this house hosts guest artist appearances and international film festivals. Tickets are $11 for regular admission, $7 for students, and $4 for students and faculty of the Art Institute of Chicago. No children under 6 admitted unless noted for a special program.